Real Madrid's Martin Odegaard is eyed by Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal. (imago Images)
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Liverpool Echo), Liverpool are ‘in love with Real Madrid playmaker, Martin Odegaard and could make a move for him in the summer transfer window. However, they are not the only club after him as Chelsea and Arsenal are also linked with the Norwegian international.
Odegaard joined Madrid from Stromsgodset in a much-hyped move in 2015. Since then, he has played for four teams on loan including Heerenveen and Vitesse in the Netherlands, as well as Real Sociedad in Spain. His most recent spell was at Arsenal earlier this year, but should Jurgen Klopp push for a move that sees the 22-year-old return to the Premier League?
Martin Odegaard has the capability to tick two boxes at once for Liverpool. Firstly, he can be the playmaker for Liverpool who finally replaces Philippe Coutinho. Ever since the Brazilian’s departure to Barcelona, Jurgen Klopp hasn’t signed an acclaimed No. 10 at the club. Moreover, the Madrid playmaker can also be the man to replace Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Netherlands international will be at PSG this summer after he left Liverpool this summer, ending a five-year journey since he signed for the club from Newcastle United in 2016. The 30-year-old was an ever-present in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield and has arguably left a big hole to be filled in the centre of the park, which Odegaard could fill if he signs for the club.
While Odegaard is a No. 10 by choice, there is a way he can seamlessly fit into Klopp’s plans at the club. The German manager has deployed a 4-3-3 formation to good effect at the club. But when Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane were all fit and available for selection, he showed his intention try out a 4-2-3-1 set-up.
The fact that it came against Manchester City in a game that has recently decided the tilt of the Premier League title shows that Klopp is open to playing that formation in the future as well. And for that, Odegaard could be a good fit. Sacrificing a central midfielder in order to field a No. 10 can also play a role in increasing the club’s output from midfield.
Last season, no Liverpool midfielder managed more than 2 goals or 2 assists in the Premier League. While there is no indication that Odegaard’s potential arrival can add to that tally this season, having an advanced midfielder certainly helps in creating more opportunities for the attacking team when in possession.
Odegaard, in his limited time at Arsenal, showed that he is capable of playing in the Premier League. Speaking earlier this year (h/t Sky Sports), Mikel Arteta praised Odegaard for quickly adjusting to life in English football while mentioning that his character and intelligence on the field are the qualities of a ‘young leader’. And hence, Klopp shouldn’t think twice about at least making an approach for the Madrid star.
